St. Louis, March 17, 2016 – In a letter sent today to Missouri Speaker of the House Todd Richardson, R-Poplar Bluff, and Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, the Christian Board of Publication voiced its strong opposition to Senate Joint Resolution 39 (SJR 39). The full text of the letter is below:

The Christian Board of Publication is adamantly opposed to Senate Joint Resolution 39. Based in St. Louis since 1911, we believe SJR 39 will harm our business and our ability to support the Missouri economy and the Missourians who work for us. We also find it deeply incompatible with our religious beliefs.

As Indiana saw last year when passing – then within weeks rescinding – its Religious Freedom Restoration Act, legislation like SJR 39 will result in consumer boycotts of Missouri, harming Missouri businesses, their employees, and the communities that depend on such businesses and employees for economic sustenance and growth.

SJR 39 would enshrine discrimination against the LGBTQIA community in the Missouri Constitution. As a faith-based company that welcomes all to God’s welcoming community, such discrimination is directly opposed to our religious beliefs. It is also bad social policy in a country that should set the world standard for equality.

By a unanimous vote of our Board of Directors, CBP strongly urges the House of Representatives to let SJR 39 die, and we hope the Senate will rescind its passage before the end of the term. Do not tarnish Missouri’s reputation by passing this discriminatory, economy-damaging legislation.

ABOUT CBP Christian Board of Publication (CBP) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1911. CBP publishes resources inviting all people into deeper relationship with God, equipping them as disciples of Jesus Christ, and sending them into ministries as the Holy Spirit calls them. The resources of CBP highlight faith and spirituality, social justice, congregational life, theology, and outdoor ministry tools. For more information, contact Steve Knight: sknight@chalicepress.com, 314-252-3212.